Legal Tank Blog
Expert guides on legal documents, state laws, business formation, and more. Written by legal professionals and powered by AI.
Motion for Continuance: Grounds, Procedure, and Likelihood of Success
A motion for continuance delays a hearing, trial, or filing to a later date. Learn good-cause standards, common grounds, denial reasons, and state-specific rules.
Is Severance Pay Taxable?
Severance pay is fully taxable as supplemental wages under IRS rules. Learn how federal and state taxes apply, withholding methods, and strategies to reduce your tax burden on severance payments.
Motion to Quash: When and How to File
A motion to quash asks the court to declare a subpoena, service, or other proceeding invalid. Learn grounds, timing, and how it differs from a motion to dismiss.
What Is a Promissory Note? A Complete Guide
A promissory note is a written promise to pay a specific amount of money to a designated person by a certain date. This guide explains how promissory notes work, the difference between secured and unsecured notes, and what happens when someone defaults.
Voluntary vs Involuntary Dismissal Under FRCP 41
Voluntary dismissal is initiated by the plaintiff and is presumptively without prejudice; involuntary dismissal is initiated by the defendant or court and is presumptively with prejudice. This guide covers FRCP 41(a) and 41(b), the two-dismissal rule, savings statutes, and state variations.
What Is an Advance Directive? A Complete Guide
An advance directive is a legal document that specifies your medical treatment preferences when you cannot speak for yourself. It includes a living will (your specific treatment wishes for end-of-life scenarios) and a healthcare proxy (the person authorized to make medical decisions on your behalf). Every adult should have an advance directive regardless of age or current health status.
Arbitration vs. Mediation vs. Litigation: 2026 Decision Guide
Arbitration is binding private dispute resolution under the Federal Arbitration Act. Compare arbitration with mediation and litigation.
Cease and Desist Letter: When to Send One and What to Include
A cease and desist letter demands the recipient stop a specific course of conduct. Learn when to send one, what to include, and how it can backfire.
Deposition Objections: The Five You Can Make and How to Use Them
Deposition objections are limited under Rule 30(c)(2) to form and privilege. Learn the five objections, when to instruct not to answer, and the coaching rule.
What Happens to the House in a Divorce?
Learn what happens to the marital home in a divorce, including buyout options, selling strategies, and how community property vs. equitable distribution states handle house division.
Can You Sue After Signing a Liability Waiver?
Can you sue after signing a liability waiver? Yes – waivers can be invalidated for gross negligence, unconscionability, fraud, or public policy violations. Learn when waivers hold up and when they don't.
What Is a Service Agreement? A Complete Guide
A service agreement is a legally binding contract between a service provider and a client that defines the scope of work, payment terms, and responsibilities of each party. This guide covers when you need one, essential clauses, and how to handle disputes.